By Ify Mgbemena
The Katsina State Government is spearheading a comprehensive development agenda aimed at transforming its economy through targeted investments in agriculture, infrastructure, renewable energy, trade, and human capital development.
Under Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda’s leadership, the administration is prioritizing key sectors such as healthcare, education, job creation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and peacebuilding to foster inclusive and sustainable growth.
AgroNigeria gathered that, central to this vision is the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative, which aims to enhance agricultural productivity and value addition.
The state is also strengthening partnerships to scale up investments in priority areas, ensuring an enabling environment for public-private collaboration.
Katsina, established in 1987 and spanning 24,192 square kilometers, is located in northwestern Nigeria.
Predominantly agrarian, the state is inhabited by Hausa and Fulani communities and bordered by Niger Republic and four Nigerian states.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Katsina’s economy, with major crops including cotton, maize, soybean, groundnut, and sesame offering immense potential for value addition. Cotton, cultivated on over 42,000 hectares, yields 43,594 metric tons annually, positioning Katsina as Nigeria’s leading producer. Maize, grown on 134,747 hectares, produces 304,468 metric tons yearly, with applications ranging from food to animal feed.
Livestock farming also thrives in the state, contributing significantly to the economy. Opportunities for agro-processing and export within these value chains present lucrative investment prospects, supported by Katsina’s existing agricultural assets valued at over $200 million.
The administration’s focus extends to mechanized farming, with a N30 billion investment aimed at modernizing agricultural practices.
Additionally, investments in irrigation systems, rural road networks, and storage facilities are designed to improve productivity and market access for farmers.
Governor Radda has also prioritized digital infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, tourism, and the creative economy to diversify the state’s revenue base.
Programs targeting youth empowerment, job creation, and affordable housing further address socio-economic challenges, while durable solutions are being implemented to support displaced persons.
Through these initiatives, Katsina is laying the groundwork for long-term economic resilience and sustainability.
The state governor is also calling on investors, especially the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) to partner with Katsina State to unlock development potentials.